Note that kinetic energy increases with the square of the velocity (E = 1/2·m·v2 relationship). This means that if the speed of a vehicle doubles, it has four times as much energy. The brakes must therefore dissipate four times as much energy to stop it and consequently the braking distance is four times as long.

Effects on noise pollution

The action of braking for motor vehicles produces recognizable sound level emissions, varying with the specific tire types and with the roadway surface type produces considerable effect upon sound levels or noise pollution emanating from moving vehicles. There is a considerable range in acoustical intensities produced depending upon the specific tire tread design and the rapidity of deceleration required to slow the vehicle.

Because braking (absent regenerative braking) converts kinetic energy into heat energy, it wastes energy that was used earlier to gather speed. Additionally, regenerative braking is not 100% efficient at recovering energy. Some drivers use various techniques to minimize braking to save fuel (see hypermiling).